March 2010
“To wait for the Lord is not to stand around lazily, wondering what will turn up next. It is an intense seeking after God and a devout believing in his goodness. He is worth waiting for!
Eugene Peterson
Sailors call it the ‘doldrums’ when they lack sufficient wind to fill the sails. No wind, no [...]
“Our lives are full, often complicated, and it seems we spend so much time attempting to fit God into our story that we don’t allow ourselves to be lifted up into His story–an epic narrative that is mysterious, compelling and utterly transforming.”
Larry Crabb
For some time now I’ve felt that I’m not the lead [...]
Read this...“Spirituality is not a formula; it is a relationship. Spirituality is not about competency; it is about intimacy. Spirituality is not about perfection; it is about connection.”
Mike Yaconelli
Looking back over 2009, I’m awed and humbled by what I see. The Lord is pulling together a group of people; friends, not afraid to walk [...]
Read this...“Only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free”
– Nikos Kazantzakis
Becoming aware of the quiet passions that motivate us, it often seems we are more slave to base and petty demands or societal whim than anything else. For us to find true freedom, we must learn the rhythms of prayer [...]
Read this...Gratitude has been a big word around our house lately. The kids have been acting and talking as though we owe them something – like more toys. Never mind the barely used this or that in the corner of their room. Right now we are near a toy store…
Each of us come at the [...]
Read this...October 2009
It’s budget season. Does our template do what we need it to do? Are we tracking our numbers well enough to make informed decisions about next year? With a weak dollar and diminished support, can we even make ends meet? All these questions and more swirl about us.
What’s catching my attention as [...]
When asked recently to list Ministry Essentials’ goals and strategies for accomplishing our mission, I must admit I felt rather foolish in my answer. We don’t fit the norm and common notion of how to run a ministry/business.
We talk more about the ‘already-in-motion’ work of the Spirit than our plans and strategies. “We [...]
August 2009
Our staff discussions revolved around three themes last month – our life as ‘prophet’, ‘servant’ and ‘foreigner’.
Prophets do not show God’s relevance to life; rather, they insist that we deal with God as He reveals Himself, not as we imagine Him to be.
Servants know they do not call the shots. Instead, we enter [...]
“I feel like a bad investment. I’ve poured my life into ministry, the bottom fell out and I’m left holding the bag.”
“I feel like an empty watering can. I’m supposed to be pouring into other’s lives but I have nothing left to give.”
“I feel like a empty food sack. I go to the [...]
Read this...A number of years ago a London Times correspondent ended many of his articles with the words, “What’s wrong with the world?” Finally in response, G.K. Chesterton wrote the following reply to the paper. “Dear editor: What’s wrong with the world? I am. Faithfully your, G.K. Chesterton.”
It’s easy to give mental assent to a [...]
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